Here you will find words which have different meanings or are spelled differently in British and American English.
- A – M
- N – Z
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| A | |
| accelerator | gas pedal, accelerator |
| aerial (TV, radio) | antenna, aerial |
| Alsatian | German shepherd |
| American Indian | Native American |
| anorak | jacket, parka |
| at the weekend | on the weekend |
| aubergine | eggplant |
| B | |
| bank holiday | national holiday, federal holiday |
| barrister, solicitor | lawyer, attorney |
| base rate | prime rate |
| to bath | to bathe |
| beetroot | beet |
| bill | check |
| bin, dustbin | garbage can/trash can |
| biro | ball-point pen |
| biscuit | cookie |
| bonnet | hood |
| boot | trunk |
| braces | suspenders |
| (round) brackets | parentheses |
| C | |
| candy floss | cotton candy |
| car park | parking lot |
| caravan | trailer |
| caretaker | janitor |
| catalogue | catalog |
| centre | center |
| chemist’s shop | drugstore, pharmacy |
| chips | French fries |
| city centre | downtown, city center |
| cloakroom | checkroom, coatroom |
| clothes peg | clothespin |
| colour | color |
| cooker | stove |
| (bathing) costume | swimsuit |
| cosy | cozy |
| cot (Baby) | crib |
| cotton wool | cotton ball |
| courgette | zucchini |
| crisps | potato chips |
| crossroads | crossroad (in the country) |
| intersection (town and country) | |
| curriculum vitae (CV) | résumé |
| curriculum vitae | |
| D | |
| dinner jacket | tux, tuxedo |
| directory enquiries | directory assistance |
| diversion | detour |
| doll’s house | dollhouse |
| double cream | heavy cream |
| draught | draft |
| draughts | checkers |
| drawing pin | thumbtack |
| dressing gown | (bath) robe |
| drink driving | drunk driving |
| driving licence | driver’s license |
| dummy | pacifier |
| duvet | comforter |
| E | |
| earth wire | ground wire |
| engaged | busy |
| enquiry | inquiry |
| everywhere | everyplace, everywhere |
| expiry date | expiration date |
| F | |
| fancy dress | costumes |
| Father Christmas | Santa Claus |
| favourite | favorite |
| to fill in | to fill out |
| film | film, movie |
| fire brigade | fire department |
| first floor | second floor |
| fish-fingers | fish-sticks |
| flannel | face cloth, wash cloth |
| flat | apartment |
| (flat: apartment with a single floor) | |
| flavour | flavor |
| football | soccer |
| fortnight | two weeks |
| fringe | bangs |
| from Monday to Friday | from Monday to Friday |
| from Monday through Friday (Friday included) | |
| full stop | period |
| G | |
| garden | yard |
| gear lever | gear shift |
| Gents | Men’s Room |
| goods train | freight train |
| ground floor | first floor, ground floor (in public buildings) |
| H | |
| harbour | harbor |
| headmaster, headteacher | principal |
| to hire | to rent |
| hire purchase | installment plan |
| hockey | field hockey |
| holiday | vacation |
| hoover | vacuum cleaner |
| humour | humor |
| I | |
| icing sugar | powdered sugar |
| indicator | blinker, turn signal |
| inverted commas, quotation marks | quotation marks |
| J | |
| jacket potato | baked potato |
| jewellery | jewelry |
| Joe Bloggs | Joe Blow |
| jumble sale | yard sale |
| jumper | sweater |
| K | |
| kilometre | kilometer |
| L | |
| ladybird | ladybug |
| to lay the table | to set the table |
| letterbox, postbox | mailbox |
| lift | elevator |
| litre | liter |
| lorry | truck |
| lost property | lost and found |
| M | |
| mackintosh | raincoat |
| managing director | CEO (chief executive officer) |
| mashed potato, mash | mashed potatoes |
| match | game |
| maths | math |
| mobile (phone) | cellphone |
| motorbike | motorcycle |
| motorway | freeway, highway, expressway, interstate |
| mum | mom |
Thanks to Carl, Declan, Edeet, Gabriele, Hans, John, Karin, Liz, Monika, Oleg, Ron, Ulrike and Vicky.
Updated on November 04, 2019
While pronunciation, grammar, and spelling are among the many differences between American and British English, perhaps the most difficult to navigate is the difference in American and British vocabulary and word choice.
American and British Vocabulary and Word Choice
Many students are confused about word differences between American and British English. Generally speaking, it’s true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice versa despite the many differences. As your English becomes more advanced, however, it becomes more important to decide which form of English you prefer. Once you’ve decided, try to stick to one form or the other in all aspects including pronunciation differences: General American or Received Pronunciation. This consistency is key to clear English communication.
The following list provides common American English vocabulary and word choices and their British English equivalents arranged in alphabetical order. Which words are already most familiar to you?
American English |
British English |
| antenna | aerial |
| mad | angry |
| anyplace | anywhere |
| fall | autumn |
| bill | bank note |
| attorney | barrister, solicitor |
| cookie | biscuit |
| hood | bonnet |
| trunk | boot |
| suspenders | braces |
| janitor | caretaker |
| drug store | chemist’s |
| french fries | chips |
| the movies | the cinema |
| rubber | condom |
| patrolman | constable |
| stove | cooker |
| wheat | corn, wheat |
| crib | cot |
| thread | cotton |
| wreck | crash |
| intersection | crossroads |
| drapes | curtains |
| checkers | draughts |
| thumbtack | drawing pin |
| divided highway | dual carriageway |
| pacifier | dummy |
| trashcan | dustbin, rubbish-bin |
| garbage can | dustbin, rubbish-bin |
| garbage collector | dustman |
| generator | dynamo |
| motor | engine |
| engineer | engine driver |
| movie | film |
| apartment | flat |
| overpass | flyover |
| yard | garden |
| gear-shift | gear-lever |
| alumnus | graduate |
| boiler | grill |
| first floor | ground floor |
| rubbers | gumshoes, wellington boots |
| sneakers | gym shoes, tennis-shoes |
| purse | handbag |
| billboard | hoarding |
| vacation | holiday |
| vacuum cleaner | hoover |
| sick | ill |
| intermission | interval |
| sweater | jersey, jumper, pullover, sweater |
| pitcher | jug |
| elevator | lift |
| truck | lorry |
| baggage | luggage |
| raincoat | mackintosh, raincoat |
| crazy | mad |
| highway | main road |
| corn | maize |
| math | maths |
| stingy | mean |
| freeway | motorway |
| diaper | nappy |
| vicious, mean | nasty |
| noplace | nowhere |
| private hospital | nursing home |
| optometrist | optician |
| liquor store | off-license |
| kerosene | paraffin |
| sidewalk | pavement |
| peek | peep |
| gasoline | petrol |
| post | |
| mailbox | postbox |
| mailman, mail carrier | postman |
| potato chips | potato crisps |
| baby carriage | pram |
| bar | pub |
| restroom | public toilet |
| blow-out | puncture |
| stroller | push-chair |
| line | queue |
| railroad | railway |
| railway car | railway carriage |
| spool of thread | reel of cotton |
| round trip | return (ticket) |
| call collect | reverse charges |
| raise | rise (in salary) |
| pavement | road surface |
| traffic circle | roundabout |
| eraser | rubber |
| garbage, trash | rubbish |
| sedan | saloon (car) |
| Scotch tape | sellotape |
| store | shop |
| muffler | silencer |
| one-way | single (ticket) |
| someplace | somewhere |
| wrench | spanner |
| faculty | staff (of a university) |
| oil pan | sump |
| dessert | sweet |
| candy | sweets |
| faucet | tap |
| spigot | tap (outdoors) |
| cab | taxi |
| dish-towel | tea-towel |
| semester | term |
| pantyhose | tights |
| schedule | timetable |
| can | tin |
| turnpike | toll motorway |
| flashlight | torch |
| hobo | tramp |
| pants | trousers |
| cuffs | turn-ups |
| subway | underground railway |
| shorts | underpants |
| shoulder (of road) | verge (of road) |
| vest | waistcoat |
| closet | wardrobe |
| wash up | wash your hands |
| windshield | windscreen |
| fender | wing |
| zipper | zip |
Now, test your knowledge with the two quizzes below.
American to British English Vocabulary Quiz
Replace the American English word in italics with a British English word.
- I’d like to hang the drapes tonight. Do you have time?
- We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
- Would you like to see a movie tonight?
- Have you seen Tim’s new apartment yet? It’s very nice.
- Run down to the drug store and buy some aspirin, please.
- Let’s go to the bar and get a drink.
- I’ll take the garbage out before I leave tomorrow morning.
- Take the second exit at the traffic circle.
- Let’s get have some potato chips with lunch.
- Could you hand me the flashlight so I can take a look in the closet?
- Peter wore a pair of slim fitting pants to the party.
- She opened the tap and watered the garden.
- Have you ever worn a vest with a suit?
- I’ll pick up the mail on the way home from work.
- Could you buy me a pair of pantyhose at the mall?
Answers
- curtains
- lift
- film
- flat
- chemist’s
- pub
- rubbish
- roundabout
- crisps
- torch
- trousers
- spigot
- waistcoat
- post
- tights
British to American English Vocabulary Quiz
Replace the British word in italics with an American English word.
- We need to find a public toilet soon.
- Let’s get the pram and take a walk with Jennifer.
- I’m afraid I had a puncture and had to get it fixed.
- Could you bring in that tin of tuna over there?
- He puts his trousers on like any other person.
- She’s very mean with her money. Don’t ask her for any help.
- I generally don’t wear a suit with a waistcoat.
- We should ask a constable for help.
- Let’s go to the off-license and get some whiskey.
- Get on queue and I’ll get us something to eat.
- Grab a tea-towel and clean that up.
- Look at the schedule and see when the train leaves.
- The car has a dent in the wing.
- Choose a sweater from the wardrobe and let’s get going.
- The lights have gone out, and we’ll need a torch.
Answers
- restroom
- baby carriage
- blow-out
- can
- pants
- stingy
- vest
- patrolman
- liquor store
- line
- dish-towel
- time table
- fender
- closet
- flashlight
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Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and American English. This page is intended as a guide only. Bear in mind that there can be differences in the choice of specific terms depending on dialect and region within both the USA and the UK.
| British English ↕ | American English ↕ |
|---|---|
| anti-clockwise | counter-clockwise |
| articulated lorry | trailer truck |
| autumn | autumn, fall |
| barrister | attorney |
| bill (restaurant) | bill, check |
| biscuit | cookie |
| block of flats | apartment building |
| bonnet (car) | hood |
| bonnet (clothing) | hat |
| boot | trunk |
| car park | parking lot |
| caravan | trailer |
| chemist’s shop | drugstore, pharmacy |
| chest of drawers | dresser, chest of drawers, bureau |
| chips | fries, French fries |
| cinema, the | movies, the |
| clothes peg | clothespin |
| coffin | coffin, casket |
| crisps | potato chips |
| crossroads | intersection; crossroads (rural) |
| cupboard | cupboard (in kitchen); closet (for clothes etc) |
| diversion | detour |
| drawing-pin | thumbtack |
| drink-driving | drunk driving |
| driving licence | driver’s license |
| dual carriageway | divided highway |
| dummy (for baby) | pacifier |
| dustbin | garbage can, trash can |
| dustman | garbage collector |
| engine | engine, motor |
| estate agent | real estate agent |
| estate car | station wagon |
| film | film, movie |
| flat | apartment, flat, studio |
| flat tyre | flat tire |
| flyover | overpass |
| gear-lever | gearshift |
| gearbox (car) | transmission |
| Girl Guide | Girl Scout |
| ground floor | ground/first floor |
| handbag | handbag, purse, shoulder bag |
| high street | main street |
| holiday | vacation |
| hood (car) | convertible top |
| jam | jam, preserves |
| jug | jug, pitcher |
| juggernaut | 18-wheeler |
| lift | elevator |
| lorry | truck, semi, tractor |
| mad | crazy, insane |
| main road | highway |
| maize | corn |
| maths | math |
| motorbike | motorcycle |
| motorway | freeway, expressway |
| motorway | highway, freeway, expressway, interstate highway, interstate |
| nappy | diaper |
| naughts and crosses | tic-tack-toe |
| pants, underpants | underpants, drawers |
| pavement | sidewalk |
| pet hate | pet peeve |
| petrol | gas, gasoline |
| Plough, the | Big Dipper, the |
| pocket money | allowance |
| post | |
| postbox | mailbox |
| postcode | zip code |
| postman | mailman, mail carrier, letter carrier |
| pub | bar |
| public toilet | rest room, public bathroom |
| railway | railroad |
| return (ticket) | round-trip |
| reverse charge | collect call |
| ring road | beltway, freeway/highway loop |
| road surface | pavement, blacktop |
| roundabout | traffic circle, roundabout |
| rubber | eraser |
| rubbish | garbage, trash |
| rubbish-bin | garbage can, trashcan |
| saloon (car) | sedan |
| shop | shop, store |
| silencer (car) | muffler |
| single (ticket) | one-way |
| solicitor | lawyer, attorney |
| spanner | wrench |
| sweets | candy |
| taxi | taxi, taxi cab |
| tea towel | dish towel |
| telly (informal), TV | television, TV |
| third-party insurance | liability insurance |
| timetable | schedule |
| tin | can |
| toll motorway | toll road, turnpike |
| torch | flashlight |
| trousers | pants, trousers |
| tube (train) | subway |
| underground (train) | subway |
| vest | undershirt |
| waistcoat | vest |
| wallet | wallet, billfold |
| wellington boots | rubber boots, rain boots |
| whisky | whisky/whiskey |
| windscreen | windshield |
| zip | zipper |
See also
- The Differences Between British And American Terms — Lexico
- American English to British English Vocabulary — ThoughtCo
- Comparison of American and British English — Wikipedia
Contributor: Josef Essberger
British English and American English words
Download the differences between British English and American English words
To download the list of British and American English words in PDF for FREE cllick on this link.
List of British words and what the same word is in American English
|
British English |
American English |
|
accommodation |
Accommodations |
| action replay | instant replay |
| aerofoil | airfoil |
| aeroplane | airplane |
|
agony aunt |
columnist |
|
allen key |
allen wrench |
|
aluminium |
aluminium |
|
aniseed |
anise |
|
anti-clockwise |
counter-clockwise |
|
articulated lorry |
trailer truck |
|
autumn |
autumn, fall |
|
barrister |
attorney |
|
bill (restaurant) |
bill, check |
|
biscuit |
cookie |
|
block of flats |
apartment building |
|
bonnet (clothing) |
hat |
|
bonnet (car) |
hood |
|
boot |
trunk |
|
caravan |
trailer |
|
car park |
parking lot |
|
catalogue |
catalog |
|
centometer |
centimetre |
|
center |
centre |
|
chemist’s shop |
drugstore, pharmacy |
|
chest of drawers |
dresser, chest of drawers, bureau |
|
chips |
fries, French fries |
|
the cinema |
the movies |
|
clothes peg |
clothespin |
|
Coffin |
coffin, casket |
|
colour |
color |
|
counsellor |
counselor |
|
crisps |
potato chips |
|
crossroads |
intersection; crossroads (rural) |
|
cupboard |
cupboard (in kitchen); closet (for clothes etc) |
|
diversion |
detour |
|
drawing-pin |
thumbtack |
|
drink-driving |
drunk driving |
|
driving licence |
driver’s license |
|
dual carriageway |
divided highway |
|
dummy (for baby) |
pacifier |
|
dustbin |
garbage can, trash can |
|
dustman |
garbage collector |
|
engine |
engine, motor |
|
enrol |
enroll |
|
estate agent |
real estate agent |
|
estate car |
station wagon |
|
film |
film, movie |
|
flat |
apartment, flat, studio |
|
flat tyre |
flat tire |
|
flyover |
overpass |
|
gearbox (car) |
transmission |
|
gear-lever |
gearshift |
|
Girl Guide |
Girl Scout |
|
grey |
gray |
|
ground floor |
ground/first floor |
|
handbag |
handbag, purse, shoulder bag |
|
high street |
main street |
|
holiday |
vacation |
|
hood (car) |
convertible top |
|
jam |
jam, preserves |
|
jug |
jug, pitcher |
|
Juggernaut |
18-wheeler |
|
lead |
leash |
|
kilometer |
kilometre |
|
lift |
elevator |
|
lorry |
truck, semi, tractor |
|
Mad |
crazy, insane |
|
mate |
pal |
|
post (verb) |
mail (verb) |
|
main road |
highway |
|
maize |
corn |
|
maths |
math |
|
Motorbike |
Motorcycle |
|
Mom / mommy |
Mum / mummy |
|
motorway |
freeway, expressway |
|
motorway |
highway, freeway, expressway, interstate highway, interstate |
|
nappy |
diaper |
|
naughts and crosses |
tic-tack-toe |
|
pants, underpants |
underpants, drawers |
|
pavement |
sidewalk |
|
pet hate |
pet peeve |
|
petrol |
gas, gasoline |
|
The Plough |
Big Dipper |
|
pocket money |
allowance |
|
post |
|
|
postbox |
mailbox |
|
postcode |
zip code |
|
postman |
mailman, mail carrier, letter carrier |
|
programme |
programe |
|
pub |
bar |
|
public toilet |
rest room, public bathroom |
|
railway |
railroad |
|
return (ticket) |
round-trip |
|
reverse charge |
collect call |
|
ring road |
beltway, freeway/highway loop |
|
road surface |
pavement, blacktop |
|
flatmate |
room mate |
|
roundabout |
traffic circle, roundabout |
|
rubber |
eraser |
|
rubbish |
garbage, trash |
|
rubbish-bin |
garbage can, trashcan |
|
saloon (car) |
sedan |
|
shop |
shop, store |
|
silencer (car) |
muffler |
|
single (ticket) |
one-way |
|
solicitor |
lawyer, attorney |
|
spanner |
Wrench |
|
surname |
last name |
|
sweets |
candy |
|
taxi |
taxi, taxi cab |
|
tea towel |
dish towel |
|
telly (informal), TV |
television, TV |
|
theater |
theatre |
|
third-party insurance |
liability insurance |
|
timetable |
schedule |
|
tin |
can |
|
toll motorway |
toll road, turnpike |
|
torch |
Flashlight |
|
travelled |
traveled |
|
travelling |
traveling |
|
trousers |
pants, trousers |
|
tube (train) |
Subway |
|
underground(train) |
subway |
|
vest |
undershirt |
|
waistcoat |
vest |
|
wallet |
wallet, billfold |
|
wellington boots |
rubber boots, rain boots |
|
whisky |
whisky/whiskey |
|
windscreen |
Windshield |
|
wollen |
woolen |
|
zip |
zipper |
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British and American words in English! The following lesson provides a useful list of differences between British and American words with ESL images.
Here is the list of differences between American and British English vocabulary:
* flashlight – torch
* diaper – nappy
* busy – engaged
* check – bill
* cab- taxi
* airplane- aeroplane
* apartment – flat
* can- tin
* candy- sweet
* doctor’s office – doctor’s surgery
* earser – rubber
* fall – autumn
* first floor – ground floor
* reservation – booking
* parking lot – car park
* trailer – caravan
* drugstore – chemist’s
* pharmacist – chemist
* dresser – chest of drawers
* movie theater – cinema
* downtown – city centre
* clothespin – clothes peg
* intersection – crossroads
* soccer – football
* movie – film
* mail – post
* fries – chips
* garbage – rubbish
* zipper – zip
* cookie – biscuit
* corn – maize
* sneakers – trainers
* truck – lorry
* eggplant – aubergine
* cell phone – mobile phone
* gasoline – petrol
* gum – glue
* overpass – flyover
* dessert – pud
* cupcake – fairy cake
* soda – fizzy drink
* vacation – holiday
* subway – underground
* high way – motorway
* schedule – timetable
* elevator – lift
* yard – garden
* closet – wardrobe
* restroom – toilet
* popsicle – ice lolly
* pants – trousers
* sweater – jumper
* professor – lecturer
* semester – term
* stores – shops
* bar – pub
* hood – bonnet
* trunk – boot
* semi – lorry
* signal – indicate
* couch – settee
* pacifier – dummy
* catapult – slingshot
* swimsuit – cozzy
* undershirt – vest
* sidewalk – pavement
* railroad – railway
* cooler – coolbox
* stove – cooker
* wrench – spanner
* line – queue
* garbage collector – dust man
* baggage – luggage
* lawyer – solicitor
* faucet – tap
* vest – waistcoat
* sandwich – butty
* dessert – pudding
* jerk – bugger
* donuts – roundellos
* drapes – curtains
* license plate – number plate
* scotch tape – sellotape
* sidewalk – pavement
* sausages – bangers
* cafeteria – canteen
* overalls – dungaree
* period – full stop
* uniform – kit
* jelly – jam
* scarf – muffler
* TV – telly
* bacon – rasher
* resume – CV
* guy – bloke
* purse – handbag
* broil – grill
* purse – handbag
* bangs – fringe
British and American Vocabulary | Image
American and British English Words List (A to Z). These 125+ words will help you to understand the difference between American and British English.
| AMERICAN | BRITISH |
| Adhesive tape | Sticking plaster |
| Antenna | Aerial |
| Apartment | Flat |
| Awaken someone | Knock up |
| Baby bed | Cot/Crib |
| Baby carriage Baby buggy |
pram |
| Balcony | Gallery |
| Bathrobe | Dressing gown |
| Bill | Banknote |
| Billfold | Wallet |
| Bobbie pin | Hairgrip |
| Bomb (disaster) | Bomb (success) |
| Bureau | Chest of drawers |
| Business suit | Lounge suite |
| Call | Ring up |
| Can | Tin |
| Candy | Sweets |
| Change purse | purse |
| Check (restaurant) | Bill |
| Chips | Crisps |
| Cigarette | Fag |
| City | Corporation |
| Closet | Cupboard |
| Clothes pin | Clothes peg |
| Cookie | Biscuit |
| Corn starch | Corn flour |
| Cracker | Biscuit |
| Delivery truck | Van |
| Desk Clerk | Receptionist |
| Diaper | Nappy |
| Dishes | Wash up |
| Downtown | Centre |
| Drapes | Curtains |
| Druggist | Chemist |
| Drug store / Pharmacy | Chemist’s shop |
| Editorial | Leader |
| Elevator | Lift |
| Engineer (train) | Driver |
| Eraser | Rubber |
| Faculty | Staff |
| Fall | Autumn |
| Faucet | Tap |
| First floor | Ground floor |
| Flashlight | Torch |
| Freeway / superhighway | Motorway |
| Freight truck | Goods truck |
| French fries | Chips |
| Garbage | Rubbish |
| Garbage can | Dustbin |
| Gas | Petrol |
| Gas station | Filling Station |
| Generator | Dynamo |
| German shepherd | Alsatian |
| Hardware store | Ironmonger |
| Hood | Bonnet |
| Incorporation | Limited |
| Intermission | Interval |
| Jail | Gaol/jail |
| Jump rope | Skipping rope |
| Lawyer /attorney | Solicitor |
| Lease / rent | Let |
| Legal holiday | Bank holiday |
| License plate | Number plate |
| Line | Queue |
| Lumber room | Box room |
| Post | |
| Mailbox | Pillar-box |
| Mailman | Postman |
| Make reservations | Book |
| Meat grinder | Mincer |
| Monkey wrench | spanner |
| Motorcycle | Motorbike |
| Movie | Film |
| Movie house/ theater | Cinema |
| Muffler (car) | Silencer |
| News dealer | News agent |
| Oil pan | Sump |
| One way ticket | Single ticket |
| Orchestra seats | Stalls |
| Overpass | Flyover |
| Package | Parcel |
| Pants | Trousers |
| Parking lot | Car park |
| Pavement | Road surface |
| Pedestrian crossing | Zebra crossing |
| Period | Full stop |
| Pocket knife | Penknife |
| Powdered sugar | Icing sugar |
| Precinct | District |
| Raincoat | Mackintosh |
| Realtor | Estate agent |
| Recess | Break |
| Restroom | Toilet/cloakroom |
| Round trip ticket | Return ticket |
| Rubber | Condom |
| Sack lunch | Packed lunch |
| Sales clerk | Shop assistant |
| Schedule | Time-table |
| Sedan | Saloon car |
| Semester | Term |
| Sewer pipe | Drain |
| Shorts (underwear) | Pants |
| Sidewalk | Footpath |
| Soccer | Football |
| Station wagon | Estate car |
| Stove | Cooker |
| Stroller | Pushchair |
| Tag | Label |
| Take-out | Take-away |
| Tea cart | Tea trolley |
| Thread | Cotton |
| Thumbtack | Drawing pin |
| Traffic circle | Roundabout |
| Truck | Lorry |
| Trunk /rear deck | Boot |
| Tube | Valve |
| Two weeks | Fortnight |
| Undershirt | Vest |
| Underwear | small |
| Vacation | Holiday |
| Vacuum cleaner | Hoover |
| Vest | Waistcoat |
| Wash cloth | Face flannel |
| Wash up | Wash your hands |
| Water heater | Geyser |
| Windbreaker | Windcheater |
| Windshield | Windscreen |
| Wire | Telegram |
| Yard | Garden |
| Zero | Naught |
| Zip Code | Postal Code |
The on line American to British English converter, what it can do for you.
It is said that the United States and Britain are two countries divided by a
common language. We are both nations central to the English speaking
world. However, the language that we use has been altered by geography and
adapted to circumstances, largely due to phonetic language being translated
into practical every day written Anglo- American.
To that end we have created
an on line American English to British English translator to make it easier for
people to use American words and English words safely and to conveniently
convert American spelling to UK English spelling. For example, American
English does not have the letter ‘u’ in the words; color, favor, and flavor, unlike
the English spelling. UK English uses the letter ‘ut in those words and we have;
colour, favour, and flavour. It is not just a matter of being pedantic,
misunderstandings can occur. America English words such as tire (part of an
auto wheel) mean ‘to’ tire in British English, the word tyre is the English word
for the auto wheel, clearly misunderstandings can happen.
We are keen to assist people in understanding the differences, and to obviate
them.
The British American Converter enables the user to enter American text
into an on line tool that will then translate the text into British English.